‘Choke’ de India

The noise at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday night came from a small group of players dressed in black, representing New Zealand, as they celebrated their victory over India. Indian players were too stunned to even exchange commiserations, and tears of disappointment and dejection flowed. However, most players were on their knees, heads buried between their hands, at one end of the ground. Akashdeep Singh and Hardik Singh sat inside a goal, lost in thought, while plenty of retrospection lies ahead for the Indian team, especially the thinktank in the days ahead following their fih world cup loss in the crossovers against the black sticks. The defeat via sudden death ensured India's wait for a podium finish in the competition continued. The Indians hardly inspired confidence in their four matches, and an early exit was imminent. It wasn't just about skill; India did not look threatening mentally. What went wrong? Indian Chief Coach Graham Reid was just as baffled as the rest of the hockey world. He asked why India struggled to convert circle penetration and what was lacking. The Australian replied straightfaced, "It's interesting. I don't know the answer." Reid was at the helm when India won a bronze at the tokyo olympics and his bewilder